“Powering Up the Dutch Navy: The Trio of Damen Hybrid Tugs”

During an official transfer ceremony at the Den Helder Naval Base, the Royal Netherlands Navy received three Damen ASD 2810 Hybrid tugs. These innovative vessels not only improve ship handling proficiency but are also outfitted with cutting-edge hybrid propulsion systems. This initiative reinforces the Dutch Ministry of Defence’s dedication to environmentally sustainable naval operations.

The acquisition of these three Damen tugs marks a crucial step in the Royal Netherlands Navy’s continuous fleet modernization program. The hybrid ships, labeled Noordzee, Waddenzee, and Zuiderzee, can function in diesel-direct, diesel-electric, or fully-electric configurations.

Zero Emissions

This advancement offers significant enhancements in fuel efficiency while effectively reducing exhaust emissions. For example, operating in fully-electric mode—viable for up to one hour at a speed of 4 knots—will achieve zero emissions.

This progress aligns closely with the Ministry of Defence’s Operational Energy Strategy, recently revealed to the Dutch government, which defines future emission targets and the transition away from diesel as the main fuel source.

Next Generation Tug

When functioning on diesel, the Damen ASD 2810 Hybrid is capable of capturing surplus electrical energy in its battery pack. This stored energy can subsequently power the vessel’s operating systems or be utilized during electric navigation.

In addition to their hybrid technologies, the new tugs possess greater power than the vessels they are replacing. The Damen ASD 2810 Hybrid delivers a bollard pull of 60 tonnes, a significant increase compared to the 22-tonne bollard pull of the existing Linge-class tugs.

This increase in bollard pull will bolster the safe and efficient ship handling of the largest vessels within the Royal Netherlands Navy fleet, including HNLMS Johan de Witt, HNLMS Rotterdam, and the 204-meter Joint Support Ship HNLMS Karel Doorman in all maritime scenarios.

With the tugs now active in service, Damen Shipyards Den Helder will implement an ongoing maintenance program for all three vessels. This is especially noteworthy as this duty has typically been handled by the Royal Netherlands Navy. For the first time, Damen has been engaged for long-term maintenance tasks for the Dutch Navy.